I am approaching 73 years of age. I am constantly told by hospital and GP staff to invest in a smartphone or to obtain a cheap laptop so that I can have online consultations with the hospital or my GP but I do not see why I should have to go online for appointments.

Recently one of the GPs at my surgery told me that’s the way things are going and I should invest in a “second hand smartphone or second hand laptop.” I was due to have a blood test, and once again, it would have to be arranged online.

Having used one of the local library computers I did manage, with the help of library staff, to go online and access the network in order to obtain a hospital appointment, and also arrange a blood test. At the last moment the network failed because I could not get to the required site.

I have now missed two blood tests, and have had to miss hospital phone consultations. This has now got to the point where I do not bother to contact any NHS services as it’s a struggle to do so.

This is really sad state when people are told we should buy a smartphone or invest in a cheap laptop just to have a consultation or arrange for a blood test.

I have now given up trying to have a consultation with my GP, it seems to be one obstacle after another.

– Martin Walsh

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